Fresh tensions have emerged within Tooro Kingdom after members of the Supreme Council and clan leaders reportedly petitioned Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, demanding action against Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki over allegations of misconduct and failure to account for Shs4.6 billion in Kingdom funds. The dispute has placed the new monarch at the centre of a growing leadership controversy just weeks into his reign, with questions surrounding accountability, ministerial appointments and the authority of the Kingdom’s traditional institutions.
The petition reportedly raises three major concerns, including the alleged failure to account for Shs4.6 billion, claims that Rwomiire has disrespected the Supreme Council, known as Orukurato rw’ensanju, and allegations that he appointed ministers without obtaining the council’s approval. The petitioners are seeking the King’s intervention, while some residents have reportedly gone further by calling for the Prime Minister and his newly appointed cabinet to resign. The allegations have not been independently established, and Rwomiire’s response to the specific claims was not included in the report.
The controversy comes as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I continues to establish his relationship with the royal family and other Kingdom institutions. On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the monarch met members of the Babiito royal family at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. The gathering, presided over by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, was the first meeting between the new King and members of his royal family since his ascension to the throne. During the meeting, the royals encouraged him to work closely with them as he begins his reign.
In response, Nyabongo pledged to consult members of the royal family and seek their advice before making important decisions. His assurance has attracted attention because the Kingdom is facing a leadership dispute that may require consultations with several traditional institutions. The meeting also marked an official milestone when State Minister for Culture Kamuli Kuteesa handed over the government gazette recognising Nyabongo I as Tooro’s cultural leader, alongside two vehicles for the monarch. Whether the King’s commitment to consultation will help resolve the dispute remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the disagreement has spilled beyond the Kingdom’s leadership structures and into public spaces. Reports indicate that some Tooro residents were seen holding placards demanding Rwomiire’s resignation during a Masaza Cup match held days before the royal meeting. The development suggests that dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s leadership has become a subject of public discussion, although the scale of the opposition to him has not been independently established. The controversy now presents a challenge for the Kingdom as it seeks to maintain unity during a period of transition.
Journalist Andrew Irumba, who is described as an ally of both the King and the Prime Minister, has come to Rwomiire’s defence, criticising individuals he accused of financing media attacks against the Kingdom’s leadership. In a strongly worded social media statement, Irumba claimed that some people were pretending to support Tooro while working to undermine its leadership. However, he did not identify the individuals he accused or provide evidence for the alleged payments. He argued that the Prime Minister should be given time to serve before his performance is judged.
Irumba also maintained that the King’s leadership choices should be respected, urging members of the Kingdom to avoid unnecessary internal divisions. He acknowledged that Rwomiire could not be expected to be perfect but argued that the leadership needed an opportunity to carry out its responsibilities. His intervention has added another dimension to the dispute, placing calls for accountability alongside arguments for patience and respect for the monarch’s decisions. The central issues, however, remain whether the financial allegations will be formally examined and whether the concerns raised by the Supreme Council will receive an official response.
The unfolding dispute presents an early test for Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as he works to establish his leadership and maintain cooperation among the royal family, clan leaders and Kingdom officials. The questions surrounding the alleged Shs4.6 billion accountability gap, ministerial appointments and the authority of the Supreme Council remain unresolved in the available report. Attention is now focused on whether the King will initiate consultations or other steps to address the petition, and whether Rwomiire will publicly respond to the allegations. The outcome could have important implications for unity and confidence in Tooro Kingdom’s leadership during the new reign.
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